INTRODUCTION TO NAILSEA SHEDDERS
MEN’S SHED ASSOCIATION
Nailsea Shedders is affiliated to UKMSA (United Kingdom Men’s Shed Association). A monthly newsletter called ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ is published by the organisation and is available on their website. https://menssheds.org.uk
Nailsea Shedders welcomes anyone into their membership and nearly half of our members are women.
There are nearly 1000 Men’s Sheds in the UK. The website is https://menssheds.org.uk
OUR HISTORY
Nailsea Shedders was founded in 2013 as ‘Nailsea Social Shedders’ from a shed on an allotment in Nailsea. As membership grew we moved to a Scout Hut in Nailsea, then to Wraxall Village Club and from there we moved to our current location at Mizzymead Recreation Centre.
MEETINGS
We meet every Monday from 10am to 3pm and on Tuesdays from 1pm to 4pm. Members of Nailsea Shedders are also members of Mizzymead Recreation Centre and can enjoy all the facilities and benefits provided. A copy of Mizzymead rules can be found in the Members Handbook.
Items for repair or refurbishment are brought in by members of the public. Local organisations also contact us for commissions or projects that they would like our help with.
We do not charge for repairs; however, the owners cover the costs of any parts required through a donation to Shedders funds.
UKEBOX
UkeBox is part of Nailsea Shedders. They hold regular practice sessions at Mizzymead and perform gigs at many venues in the area and all money raised is donated to local charities.
ARTS & CRAFTS GROUP
We have an Arts & Crafts Group which meets once a fortnight at Mizzymead. This is fully subscribed at the moment but you may add your name to the waiting list.
OUR PURPOSE
Our primary aim is to reduce social isolation. Members are welcome to come and chat over a coffee or get involved with repairs and projects. Many men find it easier to socialise by working together ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Nailsea Shedders is a registered charity, number 1187786. There are fiveTrustees who ensure that we are run according to Charity Commission rules, with other members taking on various roles as part of the management team.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to anyone. There is a monthly subscription which is currently £10 (ten pounds) which can be paid by standing order.
NEW MEMBERS
New members are welcome and will be taken all through a simple induction process just to familiarise you with who is who, building layout, and safety aspects.
As a new member you may wish to have another member to act as your ‘BUDDY’ nominated to assist you in the early weeks to answer any questions and guide you with the various aspects of the organisation.
We have a Members Handbook which contains all relevant documents covering the management and operation of Nailsea Shedders and you are encouraged to familiarise yourself with this.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We recognise that we have a duty of care to all members and your safety is of paramount importance to us both whilst moving about the building or workshop, and when using power tools and hand tools to carry out jobs.
You should be aware of our Health and Safety Policy and Risk Assessments contained in the Members Handbook.
If you see anything that does not look right or is unsafe, then you should tell another member or raise an alarm if necessary.
Our First Aiders are: Shedders – Dave Leggett, Tony Higgins, Andy Morrison
UkeBox – Darryl Snow, Lou Snow, Sue Flanagan
TRAINING
Some activities at Shedders may require a qualification via a training course. This could be for PAT testing, First Aid, Health and Safety etc. Shedders may volunteer to attend a course if there is a specific need, costs will be met from Shedders funds. We will keep a record of qualifications held.
REFRESHMENTS
Drinks and snacks are available at the Mizzymead bar and can be bought at a reduced rate on production of your Mizzymead membership card. Shedders are welcome to bring their own.
SHEDDER’S CLOTHING
There are items of clothing that can be purchased with the Nailsea Shedders logo on. Polo shirts, sweatshirts and caps are available at a subsidised rate.
LOCAL EVENTS
Throughout the year various events take place in the Nailsea area which we are invited to attend and, in many cases, help with different events. Volunteers are always required to assist with running these events.
PUBLICITY
Our website is https://nailseashedders.org
Facebook Nailsea Shedders
Flyers and business cards are available for distribution in the area. We also attend various local events where we can publicise our activities.
CONTACT DETAILS
If you require additional information, please contact the following:
Chair of Trustees – Donald Sparling [email protected]
Trustees – Steve Sayers, Richard Wheller, Paul Triggle and Martha Orr
Membership Secretary – Gloria Chambers [email protected]
Joint Secretaries – Ervin Bossanyi [email protected]
Dave Leggett